ALYSSA Valdez vividly remembers the first time Creamline and Petro Gazz contested a PVL Finals six years ago.
It was one that ended in heartbreak as the Cool Smashers squandered a 1-0 series lead in a heated rubber match at the Ynares Center in Antipolo
READ: Creamline sweeps Choco Mucho to book PVL All-Filipino finals seat
At her prime, Valdez erupted for 22 points built on 18 attacks, three blocks and one ace as Creamline yielded a 15-25, 30-28, 23-25, 19-25 Game Three loss.
That became Petro Gazz’ first-ever crowning moment in the PVL.
The one-two punch of Cuban ace Wilma Salas (30 points) and late American import Janisa Johnson (23 points) proved too much for the Cool Smashers that absorbed a rare championship loss.
That game, more than anything, will be Valdez’ fuel ahead of the fifth championship showdown between the two league giants.
“I remember the time when we faced them back in Ynares (Center) back in the finals of the Reinforced Conference, both of their wing spikers (Janisa) Johnson and (Wilma) Salas, they were very tough,” Valdez said.
Now in an All-Filipino setting, Valdez believes that this new-look Petro Gazz has the same championship-caliber fire but with new fearsome pieces led by reigning conference MVP Brooke Van Sickle.
But one thing’s for sure, Creamline’s ready to strike back and author a new ending than how it went down in 2019.
“This conference, I think kumpletong-kumpleto ang Petro Gazz — hindi lang sa wings. (Jonah) Sabete is there, MJ Phillips is there, kumpleto sila as a team and ang lalim din ng bench nila and healthy din sila.
“Kung makita natin back in the finals, I think one of the things na magiging edge ng bawat isa sa amin since we’re all veteran teams would be kung sino ang mas healthy sa aming dalawa and would last long and sino ang mas fit all throughout the games.
Valdez added: “ It doesn’t matter if you’re a new team or a veteran team in the PVL. Kung sino ang may gusto, may puso at lalaban darating at darating tayo sa dulo, sa finals.”
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